Reversible optical connectors and associated devices, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

Reversible optical connectors, and associated devices and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a connector for a communication cable includes a housing comprising a cavity, and a first plug and a second plug coupled to a distal portion of the housing. The first and second plugs are connected to the housing such that the first and second plugs are independently rotatable with respect to the housing. The connector further includes a latch actuator coupled to the housing and configured to disengage one or more latches from an outlet. By rotating the plugs 180 degrees and turning the connector over, the relative arrangement or position of the two plugs can be switched or reversed. The plugs can be rotated or reversed without completely disassembling the connector, in some embodiments. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure can improve workflows for a user or operator that in a high-density networking setting.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/797,283 filed Feb. 21, 2020; which claims priority to andthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/810,219, filedFeb. 25, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to optical connectors, moreparticularly, to optical connectors that include reversible plugs.

BACKGROUND

Some conventional connector mechanisms for optical fibers includelatches that are depressed by a user, typically using the thumb orfinger, to cancel the latch connection with a corresponding adapter.Accordingly, two separate motions are used to disconnect a connectorfrom an adapter or outlet: a downward press, and a proximal pull. Thesemotions involve positioning the user's hands around the connector nearthe base of the connection. In recent years, high density mountingconfigurations have become more prevalent in, for example, data centersand network servers. In high density mounting configurations, manyconnectors are connected to a server, bus, hub, local terminatingcabinet, or switch, in close proximity to one another. Accordingly, itmay not be convenient, practical, or possible for a user to position herhands around the connector near the adapter, as space is limited.

Further, many connectors include multiple plugs positioned side-by-sideto facilitate multiple channels of communication. Occasionally, it isdesirable to switch the arrangement of plugs on a single connector. Thismay not be possible or practical to do without disconnecting orseparating the connector from its corresponding optical fiber, switchingthe arrangement, and reconnecting the connector to the optical fiber. Inthat regard, conventional optical connectors may not be suitable fordisassembly and reassembly. Accordingly, present connectors lackflexibility to be changed to fit the particular application and arepoorly-suited for high-density mounting situations.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods forproviding a reversible optical connection. In some embodiments, aconnector includes two or more plugs rotatably coupled to a housing suchthat the plugs can rotate relative to the housing. By rotating the plugs180 degrees and turning the connector over, the relative arrangement orposition of the two plugs can be switched or reversed. The plugs can berotated or reversed without completely disassembling the connector, insome embodiments. Further, in some embodiments, the connectors caninclude a latch actuator that is detachably or removably connected tothe housing. The latch actuator allows for respective latches of theplugs to be actuated to cancel a connection to an adapter using alongitudinal or proximal motion only, without a downward press. In someembodiments, a pull tab can be used to pull the latch actuator andcancel the connection, such that the user's hands may be positioned awayfrom the junction between the connector and the adapter. Accordingly,the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve workflows for auser or operator that makes frequent modifications to communicationnetworks in a high-density setting.

In some embodiments, a connector for a communication cable includes ahousing comprising a cavity, and a first plug and a second plug coupledto a distal portion of the housing. The first plug defines a firstlongitudinal axis and the second plug defines a second longitudinalaxis. The first and second plugs are each independently rotatable aboutthe first and second longitudinal axes respectively with respect to thehousing. The first plug comprises a first latch and the second plugincludes a second latch. The connector further includes a latch actuatorcoupled to the housing and comprising at least one camming surfaceconfigured to actuate the first and second latches to disengage thefirst and second latches from an outlet.

In some embodiments, the first plug and second plug are configured torotate independently of one another. In some embodiments, the first andsecond plugs comprise cylindrical flanges positioned within respectivecylindrical cavities at the distal portion of the housing. In someembodiments, the first and second plugs comprise respective conduitsdisposed within the cavity of the housing, the respective conduitsconfigured to carry respective communication lines. According to someaspects, the communication lines comprise optical fibers, and theconduits of the first and second plugs are configured to house a firstoptical fiber and a second optical fiber, respectively.

In some embodiments, the latch actuator is removably coupled to thehousing and the housing and latch actuator are configured such that thelatch actuator can be coupled to a top side of the housing or a bottomside of the housing. In some embodiments, the housing comprises at leastone ridge and the latch actuator comprises at least one pawl connectorconfigured to releasably engage the at least one ridge of the housing.In some embodiments, the latch actuator comprises a top plate and abottom plate coupled to the top plate and configured to slidelongitudinally relative to the top plate. According to one aspect, theconnector may further includes a pull tab coupled to and extendingproximally of the top plate of the latch actuator. In another aspect,the first and second latches is biased away from the first and secondplug, and the latch actuator is configured to depress, via the at leastone camming surface, the first and second latches by sliding the topplate longitudinally relative to the bottom plate. In some embodiments,the first and second latches comprise respective locking surfacespositioned at intermediate portions of the first and second latches,wherein the locking surfaces are configured to engage correspondingsurfaces in an adapter. In some embodiments, the first and second plugsextend distally and in parallel from the distal portion of the housing.

According to some embodiments, a connector for communication linesincludes: a connector housing, a first plug body extending distally fromthe connector housing, the first plug body defining a first longitudinalaxis, a first latch coupled to a side of the first plug body, a secondplug body extending distally from the connector housing, the second plugbody defining a second longitudinal axis, a second latch coupled to aside of the second plug body, and a camming member slidably coupled tothe connector housing and configured to simultaneously actuate the firstand second latches. In one aspect, each of the first plug body and thesecond plug body are configured to rotate at least 180 degrees relativeto the connector housing.

In some embodiments, the camming member comprises first and secondplates slidably coupled to one another. The camming member may includefirst and second attachment arms extending orthogonal to a plane oftranslation of the first and second plates. The connector housing mayinclude a first protrusion on a first side and a second protrusion on asecond side. The first arm can include a first barb engaging the firstprotrusion, and the second arm can include a second barb engaging thesecond protrusion. In some embodiments, the first barb comprises anangled surface configured to engage the second protrusion. In someembodiments, the connector housing is symmetrical about a central axis.

According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, a method forswitching a plug configuration of a connector includes disconnecting alatch actuator from a first side of a housing of the connector, rotatinga first plug 180 degrees relative to the housing while the first plug isconnected to the housing, the first plug comprising a first latch,rotating a second plug 180 degrees relative to the housing while thesecond plug is connected to the housing, the second plug comprising asecond latch, and connecting the latch actuator to a second side of thehousing such that the latch actuator is configured to simultaneouslyactuate the first and second latches.

In some embodiments, connecting the latch actuator to the second side ofthe housing comprises engaging a barb of the latch actuator with a ridgedisposed on an outer surface of the housing. In some embodiments, themethod further includes pulling a tab coupled to the latch actuator todisengage the first and second latches from a corresponding connector.In some embodiments, pulling the tab causes a top plate of the latchactuator to slide relative to a bottom plate of the latch actuator tomove a camming surface of the latch actuator over the first and secondlatches.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method forassembling a connector includes providing a first housing body, couplinga first plug the first housing body such that the first plug isconfigured to rotate relative to the first housing body, coupling asecond plug to the first housing body such that the first plug isconfigured to rotate relative to the first housing body, coupling anopposing second housing body to the first housing body such that thefirst and second housing bodies form an enclosed housing, and such thatthe first and second plugs are configured to rotate relative to thehousing, and coupling a latch actuator to a side of the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a top side of a reversible opticalconnector according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2A is a front plan view of a distal end of a reversible opticalconnector according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of a reversible optical connectoraccording to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C is a rear plan view of a proximal end of a reversible opticalconnector according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a bottom side of a reversible opticalconnector according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a reversible optical connector accordingto one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a reversible optical connector accordingto one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an assembly view of a housing of a reversible opticalconnector according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is an assembly view of a latch actuator of a reversible opticalconnector according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an optical plug of a reversible opticalconnector according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing a method for reversing an opticalconnector plug configuration according to one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-E are perspective views of a reversible optical connector atvarious stages of the method shown in FIG. 9 according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a partially transparent elevation view of a reversibleoptical connector according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views of the reversible opticalconnector of FIG. 11 including a rotation stop, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It is nevertheless understood that no limitation tothe scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and furthermodifications to the described devices, systems, and methods, and anyfurther application of the principles of the present disclosure arefully contemplated and included within the present disclosure as wouldnormally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosurerelates. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features,components, and/or steps described with respect to one embodiment may becombined with the features, components, and/or steps described withrespect to other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake ofbrevity, however, the numerous iterations of these combinations will notbe described separately.

The present disclosure describes connectors that provide for reversibleplug configurations and advantageous connection release mechanisms. Itwill be understood that, although the disclosure describes connectorsfor use in optical communications, such as fiber optic communications,the present disclosure is in no way limited to optical communication. Inthat regard, embodiments of the present disclosure could be used forother types of connectors, including wired electrical connectors andothers.

In some embodiments, an optical connector includes a housing or mainbody, and two or more plugs coupled to and extending from the housing.The plugs are coupled to the housing such that the plugs can rotaterelative to the housing. By rotating each of the plugs 180 degreesrelative to the housing, and turning the connector over, the positioningof the plugs with respect to one another is switched or reversed. Insome embodiments, the relative positioning of the plugs can be switchedor reversed by hand, and without the use of tools.

Further, in some embodiments, a connector includes a latch actuator thattranslates a longitudinal pulling force into downward force on one ormore latches to cancel or unlatch a connection of the latches with acorresponding adapter. For example, the latch actuator can be slidablycoupled to the connector housing and configured to slide or shiftrelative to the latches. The sliding latch actuator can include a cam orcamming surface configured to depress the latches as the latch actuatormoves longitudinally. The latch actuator can be removably coupled to thehousing such that it can be detached to reverse the plug configuration,and reattached after the plug configuration has been successfullyreversed.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an optical connector 100 includes a housing ormain body 110, first and second plugs 120 a, 120 b coupled to andextending distally of the housing 110, and a latch actuator 130 coupledto a first side or top side of the housing 110. The connector 100 alsoincludes a strain relief 140 coupled to a proximal end of the housing110 and configured to provide a transition in rigidity between thehousing 110 and the optical cable 150. Referring to FIG. 1, theconnector 100 includes a first plug 120 a and a second plug 120 bcoupled to and extending distally from the housing 110. The plugs 120 a,120 b may be LC type plugs, in some embodiments. The first and secondplugs 120 a, 120 b extend in parallel, and are configured to be insertedinto a corresponding adapter or outlet to create a connection for thecommunication of signals carried by the cable 150 to a computing system,switch, hub, bus, server, or any other suitable electrical component viaan adapter or outlet. In some embodiments, the adapter (not shown) isconfigured to convert optical signals carried by the optical cable 150into electrical signals.

Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C, each plug 120 a, 120 b includes acorresponding latch 124 a, 124 b or locking piece coupled to a lateralside, shown here as a top side, of a body 122 a, 122 b of the respectiveplug 120 a, 120 b. In some embodiments, the latches 124 a, 124 b andplug bodies 122 a, 122 b are integrally formed, such as by injectionmolding. In other embodiments, the plug bodies 122 a, 122 b and latches124 a, 124 b are formed separately and attached during an assemblyprocess. In the implementation shown, the latches 124 a, 124 b areconnected to the bodies 122 a, 122 b at one end, such as a distal end,and may elastically flex or pivot relative to the body so as to bias thelatches 124 a, 124 b away from a surface of the plug bodies 122 a, 122 band to form an oblique angle with respect to the plug bodies 122 a, 122b. The latches 124 a, 124 b are flexible, such that they can bedepressed toward the plug bodies 122 a, 122 b. As will be explainedfurther below, in some embodiments, depressing the latches 124 a, 124 bcancels or unlatches a corresponding connection between the connector100 and an adapter for disengaging the latches 124 a, 124 b with acorresponding catching surface of the adapter.

The latch actuator 130 is coupled to a side, such as a top side of thehousing 110, such that one or more components or features of the latchactuator 130 can slide or translate relative to the housing 110 and thelatches 124 a, 124 b. As will be explained further below, an end of eachlatch 124 a, 124 b, which in the implementation shown is in a proximalportion of the corresponding latch 124 a, 124 b, is coupled to the latchactuator 130, and moving the latch actuator 130 proximally relative tothe latches 124 a, 124 b induces a downward force on each latch 124 a,124 b sufficient to displace the latch and cancel or unlatch aconnection between the connector 100 and the adapter. In theimplementation shown, the latch actuator 130 may simultaneously displace(such as by depressing) two latches, while in other implementations, thelatch actuator may displace a single latch or a larger number oflatches. In some implementations, the latch actuator may simultaneouslydisplace between two and twenty-four latches, although other numbers arealso contemplated.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom surface of the connector 100. The bottom surfaceof the housing 110 is shown exposed, as the latch actuator 130 isattached to the opposing top surface of the housing 110. Similarly, thelatches 124 a, 124 b are not visible, as they are positioned on theopposing surface of the plug bodies 122 a, 122 b. In some embodiments,the housing 110 is symmetrical about a central plane of the housing 110such that a top surface of the housing 110 is substantially similar oridentical to a bottom surface of the housing 110. The bottom surface ofthe housing 110 includes an “X” mark to indicate that the bottom side ofthe connector 100 is facing upwards. As shown further below, the housing110 can include a different mark, such as a “V”, on the opposing side ofthe housing 110 to allow a user to determine which side faces up ordown. Although the X and the V marks are shown on the example connector100 of FIG. 3, any symbol or indicia could be used so long as they aredifferent on the top and bottom sides to convey to a user that the twosides are different.

FIG. 4 shows a close-up perspective view of the proximal portion of theconnector 100. The latch actuator 130 of the connector 100 is coupled tothe housing 110 via connecting arms 138, which may also be referred toas pawl fingers, and are positioned on each side of the latch actuator130. The connecting arms 138 extend downward from the latch actuator 130and engage a corresponding surface or ridge 118 of the housing 110(shown in FIG. 6 and described below). Proximal portions 139 a, 139 b ofthe latches 124 a, 124 b are positioned within a camming portion 132 ofthe latch actuator 130. The camming portion 132 includes cammingsurfaces 136 (shown in FIG. 11 and described below) configured to causea downward displacement or cancelling force on the latches 124 a, 124 bas the latch actuator 130 is moved proximally relative to the latches124 a, 124 b and housing 110. The latch actuator 130 also includes tabgrips 134, which are configured to engage a distal end, such as a hook,of a tab to facilitate convenient actuation of the latch actuator 130,and consequently, cancellation or downward displacement of the latchconnection.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the individual components of theconnector 100, according to some embodiments. As shown, the housing 110is formed of a first housing body 112 a and a second housing body 112 b,which can be connected to one another to form the housing body 110. Asmentioned above, the bodies or portions 112 a, 112 b of the housing 110can be shaped or configured such that the housing 110 is symmetricalabout a central plane when the bodies 112 a, 112 b are connected.Accordingly, the latch actuator 130 can be connected or coupled toeither side of the housing 110. The first and second plugs 120 a, 120 bcomprise respective proximal flanges 128 a, 128 b configured to bepositioned within corresponding slots, cavities, or wells of the housing110 to provide a rotatable connection of the plugs 120 a, 120 b to thehousing 110. For example, a connector assembly process can includepositioning the proximal flanges 128 a, 128 b within corresponding slotsof the second body portion 112 b. The first housing portion 112 b canthen be coupled to the second housing portion 112 b such that the plugs120 a, 120 b can rotate relative to the housing 110. In that regard,each of the plugs 120 a, 120 b is independently rotatable relative tothe housing 110 such that rotation of one plug 120 a can be accomplishedwithout rotating the other plug 120 b. In the implementation shown, theflanges 128 a, 128 b and cavities are be cylindrical. However, the plugs120 a, 120 b may be coupled to the housing 110 using other arrangements,such as by cylindrical bodies that form a removable interference fitwith corresponding cylindrical cavities of the housing 110, whereby theplugs 120 a, 120 b can be separated from the housing 110 withoutdisassembling the housing 110. In some embodiments, the housing 110includes flanges that fit within corresponding cavities or channels ofthe plugs 120 a, 120 b. These implementations are not limiting, and itwill be understood that other coupling arrangements for the plugs andhousing are also contemplated by the present disclosure.

The components of the strain relief 140 are positioned at the proximalend or portion of the connector 100. In particular, a caulking holder142 is coupled to a proximal end of the housing 110, and extendsproximally of the housing 110. A distal flange of the caulking holder142 can be positioned within a corresponding slot in the housing 110 toprovide for a robust connection when the first and second housing bodies112 a, 112 b are connected. A caulking ring 144 and heat shrink tube 146can be positioned over or around a proximal portion of the caulkingholder 142. Further, a boot 148 or bushing is configured to bepositioned over the heat shrink tube 146, caulking ring 144, andcaulking holder 142 such that the boot 148 abuts the proximal end of thehousing 110. Together, the caulking holder 142, caulking ring 144, heatshrink tube 146, and boot 148 form a strain relief 140 that provides fora transition from the rigid housing 110 to the flexible cable 150.

A close-up view of the housing bodies 112 a, 112 b are shown in FIG. 6.An outer surface of the first housing body 112 a includes a marking orindicia, which in this example is a “V” to indicate a first side of thehousing 110. Further, the first housing body 112 a includes first andsecond locking tabs 114 a, 116 a, which are configured to engagecorresponding locking surfaces 114 b, 116 b of the second housing body112 b. In the example shown, the first and second locking surfaces 114b, 116 b are grooves or recesses formed in the sides of the secondhousing body 112 b. The grooves or recesses may include connectingelements, formed as depressions and protrusions and other mechanicallyinterfering structure that engages and connects with the locking tabs114 a, 116 a. The first and second housing bodies 112 a, 112 b cooperateto form a cavity through with the fiber may pass and serve to maintainother components in place relative to each other.

The first housing body 112 a includes top opening portions 115 a, 115 b,which align with bottom opening portions 113 a, 113 b to form first andsecond openings that receive the proximal flanges 128 a, 128 b of theplugs 120 a, 120 b. In this example, the first and second openingscomprise round slots or wells in which a proximal portion of the plugs120 a, 120 b reside. In this manner, by enclosing the proximal flanges128 a, 128 b of the plugs 120 a, 120 b within the first and secondhousing bodies 112 a, 112 b, the plugs 120 a, 120 b are attached to thehousing 110 and configured to rotate relative to the housing 110. Thesecond housing body 112 b further comprises a ridge 118 configured toengage a barb or pawl 139 (FIG. 7) of the connecting arm 138 of thelatch actuator 130. In some implementations, the first and secondhousing bodies 112 a, 112 b are coupled to one another using otherapproaches or arrangements, such as using interference fits, dowels,adhesives, or any other suitable coupling arrangement. The housing 110also includes a proximal opening 117 through which an optical fiber, orelectrical wire, can be positioned and connected to the plugs 120 a, 120b. For example, a flange of the caulking holder 142 can be positionedwithin a slot of the housing 110 near the opening 117 to form aconnection similar to that between the plugs 120 a, 120 b and thehousing 110.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the latch actuator 130. The latchactuator 130 comprises a top plate 131 a, a bottom plate 131 b, and aconnecting plate 131 c. The top plate 131 a includes the camming portion132, with first and second cam surfaces 136 a, 136 b positioned inrespective openings of the cam portion 132. Proximal ends of the latches124 a, 124 b, which include cam engagement portions 160 (FIG. 5) can bepositioned within the openings of the cam portion 132 and positioned tocontact or engage the cam surfaces 136 a, 136 b. The cam surfaces 136 a,136 b are configured to apply a downward force on the cam engagementportions 160 when the top plate 131 a is moved proximally. Thisdisplaces the cam engagement portions 160 and the latches 124 a, 124 b.The top plate 131 a further includes a keyed projection 137 a on anunderside of the top plate 131 a configured to be slidably positionedwithin a corresponding key slot 137 b of the bottom plate 131 b. The topplate 131 a also includes tab grips 134 a, 134 b configured to grip orcatch a pull tab. In that regard, a hook of a pull tab can be positionedwithin the tab grips 134 a, 134 b such that pulling the tab also pullsthe top plate 131 a of the latch actuator 130.

The bottom plate 131 b includes a slot 135 through which connectingdowels of the top plate 131 a can be positioned and connected to theconnecting plate 131 c via the holes of the connecting plate 131 c. Whenthe connecting tabs of the top plate 131 a are positioned through theslot 135 and connected to the holes of the connecting plate 131 c, asliding connection is formed between the top and bottom plates 131 a,131 b, with the bottom plate 131 b sandwiched between the top plate 131a and the connecting plate 131 c. The top and bottom plates 131 a, 131 bare coupled to slide within a regulated range. The regulated range canbe defined by the width of the slot 135 relative to the spacing betweenthe connecting tabs of the top plate 131 a. The bottom plate 131 b alsoincludes connecting arm 138, which extends downward from the bottomplate 131 b orthogonal to the plane or top surface of the bottom plate131 b. In the example shown, the connecting arm 138 includes a barb orpawl 139. The barb or pawl 139 comprises a protrusion extending inwardfrom the arm 138 that is configured to engage the ridge 118 of thehousing 110. The barb 139 can include an angled surface, such that theangled surface is oblique relative to a bottom surface of the ridge 118when the barb 139 engages the ridge 118. The angled surface of the barb139 can enable a releasable or detachable connection between the latchactuator 130 and the housing 110. In that regard, in some embodiments,the latch actuator 130 is configured to be removed from and reattachedto the housing 110, by hand, by lifting the latch actuator 130 from thehousing 110. In this example, the connecting arm may elastically deflectto permit removal or reattachment to the housing 110. Otherimplementations utilize a snap fit or other connector in place of thebarb or pawl 139 to removably attach the latch actuator 130 to thehousing 110.

An exploded view of a plug 120 is shown in FIG. 8. In this example, theplug 120 includes a plug body 122, which a latch 124 coupled to a sideof the plug body 122. The latch 124 includes locking shoulders orsurfaces 126 a, 126 b at an intermediate portion of the latch 124. Thelocking shoulders 126 a, 126 b are configured to engage correspondingsurfaces or projections in an adapter to form a latch connection. Thelatch connection is unlatched, canceled or released by depressing theproximal portion of the latch 124 toward the plug body 122, whichdisengages the shoulders 126 a, 126 b from the corresponding lockingsurfaces of the adapter. The latch 124 is biased such that the latch 124extends away from the plug body 122 at the proximal portion of the latch124.

A ferrule 121 and ferrule tube 123 are configured to be positionedwithin the plug body 122, with a spring 125 positioned around theferrule 121 and ferrule tube 123 within the plug body 122. An extendercap, 127 which includes the flange 128 at the proximal end, ispositioned partially within the plug body 122 to form a lockingconnection with the plug body 122 and hold the ferrule 121 and ferruletube 123 within the plug body 122. The extender cap 127 also includes astop ridge 129 extending from a lateral surface of the extender cap 127,which will be described further below. The components of the plug 120form a conduit or lumen in which an optical fiber can be housed orpositioned to facilitate signal communication between the plug 120 andan adapter.

As mentioned above, in some instances it is desirable to switch orreverse the plug configuration of a connector. Conventional connectorsmay require disassembly of the connector to change the plugconfiguration, which may be inconvenient and impractical. Theembodiments described in the present disclosure provide connectors withreversible plug configurations. Accordingly, a technician can reversethe plug configuration without significant disassembly of the connector.In that regard, FIG. 9 is a flow diagram that illustrates a method 200of reversing or switching a plug configuration of a reversible opticalconnector, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIGS. 10A-10Eillustrate an embodiment of a connector at various steps of the method200. For example, the method 200 can be performed with the connector 100described above and shown in FIGS. 1-8.

In step 210, the connector is disconnected from an adapter by sliding alatch actuator proximally relative to the plug latches. The latchactuator comprises a camming surface that depresses the latches as thelatch actuator moves proximally.

In step 220, the latch actuator 130 is disconnected and removed from thehousing 110 of the connector 100 by applying a lifting force to thelatch actuator 130 away from the housing 110. The lifting force maycause the connecting features, shown here as a barb or pawl, todisengage from a the housing, in some embodiments. That is, the barb orpawl may disengage from a ridge or other retaining feature. In someinstances, the barb or pawl is on the housing.

FIG. 10A shows the connector 100 with the latch actuator 130disconnected from housing and removed. In the implementation shown, thelatch actuator 130 is removed by lifting the latch actuator 130 from thehousing 110 as indicated by the arrow 170. However, other configurationsof a detachable latch actuator 130 are contemplated, such as latchactuators detached from the housing 110 by twisting, sliding,depressing, and/or any other suitable arrangement. Referring to FIG.10B, each of the plugs 120 a, 120 b may be rotatable about an axis 172,and an axis 174, respectively. In step 230, one of the plugs 120 b isrotated 180 degrees about the axis 174 relative to the housing,indicated by arrow 176, such that the latch 124 b is positioned on anopposite side of the connector 100 relative to the other latch 124 a.Referring to FIG. 10C, in step 240, the other plug 124 a is rotated 180degrees about the axis 172 relative to the housing 110, as indicated bythe arrow 178, such that the latches 124 a, 124 b are now positioned ona same side of the connector 100. The symbol “V” is shown on thetop-facing surface of the housing 110. Referring to FIG. 10D, in step250, the connector 100 is turned over, as indicated by the arrow 180,such that the opposing side of the housing is facing up. In that regard,the symbol “X” on the opposing surface of the housing relative to the“V” symbol is now facing up in FIG. 10D. Additionally, the relativeposition of the plugs 120 a, 120 b is switched when compared to thepositions shown in FIG. 10C. Referring to FIGS. 10D and 10E, the latchactuator 130 is replaced or reattached to the housing 110 in step 260,as indicated by the arrow 182. As above, the latch actuator 130 connectsto the housing 110 by engaging the barb 139 of the connecting arm 138with a ridge on a lateral side of the housing 110. It will be understoodthat the housing 110 may comprise similar or identical ridges on bothlateral sides of the housing 110 so that the connecting arms 138 of thelatch actuator 130 can attach to either side of the housing 110.Further, the ridges 118 which the connecting arms 138 engage can besymmetrical about a longitudinal plane. In other words, the ridges 118may comprise similar or identical shelves on the tops and bottoms of theridges 118 to allow for engagement of the latch actuator connecting arms138 in either connector configuration.

FIG. 11 shows a partially transparent side view of the connector 100,with the latch 124 in an engaged position. As shown, the latch actuator130 comprises a camming surface 136 in contact with a distal portion ofthe latch 124. The latch 124 is at the highest portion of the cammingsurface 136. As the latch actuator 130 is shifted proximally, the angledcamming surface 136 causes the latch 124 to deflect downward todisengage the latch 124. Accordingly, with the latch 124 positionedwithin the latch actuator 130, the latch actuator is biased to a relaxedposition in which the top plate 131 a is positioned as far distallyrelative to the bottom plate 131 b as the regulated connection allows.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views of the connector 100 shownin FIG. 11 at the line A-A. In FIG. 12A, the plugs 120 a, 120 b areconfigured such that their respective latches 124 a, 124 b are on a topside of the connector 100. By contrast, in FIG. 12B, the plugs 120 a,120 b are rotated 180 degrees relative to the orientations in FIG. 12Asuch that their respective latches 124 a, 124 b are on a bottom side ofthe connector 100. The opening portions 113 a, 113 b of the housinginclude rotator catches 119 a, 119 b, 119 c, 119 d configured to limitthe amount of rotation of the plugs 120 a, 120 b relative to the housing180. The plugs 120 a, 120 b are limited to rotate within a 180 degreearc. Each plug 120 a, 120 b comprises a stop ridge 129 a, 129 b thatlimits rotation of the respective plug 120 a, 120 b by catching orcontacting the rotator catches 119 a, 119 b, 119 c, 119 d. With theplugs 120 a, 120 b rotated 180 degrees, the latch actuator 130 can bereplaced on the opposing (i.e. bottom) side of the connector 100.

It will be understood that the specific embodiments described above areexemplary, and that various changes or modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. For example, in someembodiments, a connector can include more than two plugs, includingthree, four, five, or any suitable number of plugs. In some embodiments,the connectors are used to facilitate electrical connections. In someembodiments, a latch actuator may comprise a single plate slidablycoupled to the housing. In still other embodiments, the latch actuatorcan cancel the latch connection in a manner different than theembodiments described above, including by lifting the latches. In someembodiments, the plugs are configured to rotate 360 degrees relative tothe housing.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the devices, systems, andmethods described above can be modified in still other ways.Accordingly, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatthe embodiments encompassed by the present disclosure are not limited tothe particular exemplary embodiments described above. In that regard,although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a widerange of modification, change, and substitution is contemplated in theforegoing disclosure. It is understood that such variations may be madeto the foregoing without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector for a communication cable,comprising: a housing; a first plug and a second plug coupled to adistal portion of the housing, the first plug defining a firstlongitudinal axis and the second plug defining a second longitudinalaxis, the first plug and the second plug being rotatable relative to thehousing, the first plug comprising a first latch and the second plugcomprising a second latch; and a latch actuator coupled to the housingand comprising at least one camming surface configured to actuate thefirst latch and the second latch, wherein the housing and latch actuatorare configured such that the latch actuator is removably couplable to afirst side of the housing and is removably couplable to a second side ofthe housing.
 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein each of the first andsecond plugs comprises a flange positioned within a respective slot atthe distal portion of the housing.
 3. The connector of claim 2, whereinthe first and second plugs comprise conduits disposed within a cavity ofthe housing, the conduits configured to carry respective communicationlines.
 4. The connector of claim 3, wherein the communication linescomprise optical fibers, and wherein the conduits of the first andsecond plugs are configured to house a first optical fiber and a secondoptical fiber, respectively.
 5. The connector of claim 1, wherein thehousing comprises at least one ridge and the latch actuator comprises atleast one pawl connector configured to releasably engage the at leastone ridge of the housing.
 6. The connector of claim 1, wherein the latchactuator comprises a top plate and a bottom plate coupled to the topplate, the bottom plate configured to slide longitudinally relative tothe top plate.
 7. The connector of claim 6, further comprising a pulltab coupled to and extending proximally of the top plate of the latchactuator.
 8. The connector of claim 6, wherein the first latch and thesecond latch are respectively biased away from the first plug and thesecond plug, and wherein the latch actuator is configured to depress,via the at least one camming surface, the first latch and the secondlatch by sliding the top plate longitudinally relative to the bottomplate.
 9. The connector of claim 8, wherein each of the first latch andthe second latch comprises a respective locking surface positioned atintermediate portions of the first latch and the second latch, whereinthe locking surfaces are configured to engage corresponding surfaces inan adapter.
 10. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first plug and thesecond plug extend distally and in parallel from the distal portion ofthe housing.
 11. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first plugdefines a first longitudinal axis and the second plug defines a secondlongitudinal axis, the first plug and the second plug being rotatableabout the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axisrespectively.
 12. A connector for a communication cable, comprising: ahousing having a first side and an opposing second side; a first plugand a second plug coupled to a distal portion of the housing, the firstplug defining a first longitudinal axis and the second plug defining asecond longitudinal axis, wherein the first plug comprises a first latchand the second plug comprises a second latch, the first plug and thesecond plug being rotatable from a first position where the first latchand the second latch are adjacent the first side of the housing to asecond position where the first latch and the second latch are adjacentthe second side of the housing; and a latch actuator coupled to thehousing and comprising at least one camming surface configured toactuate the first latch and the second latch, wherein the latch actuatoris removably couplable to the first side of the housing to actuate thefirst latch and the second latch when the first and second plugs are inthe first position, and removably couplable to the second side of thehousing to actuate to actuate the first latch and the second latch whenthe first and second plugs are in the second position.
 13. The connectorof claim 12, wherein the first plug comprises a first cylindrical flangepositioned within a first cylindrical cavity at the distal portion ofthe housing, and wherein the second plug comprises a second cylindricalflange positioned within a second cylindrical cavity at the distalportion of the housing.
 14. The connector of claim 13, wherein the firstplug comprises a first conduit configured to house a first opticalfiber, and wherein the second plug comprises a second conduit configuredto carry a second optical fiber, wherein the first and second conduitsare positioned within the cavity of the housing.
 15. The connector ofclaim 12, wherein the housing comprises at least one ridge and the latchactuator comprises at least one pawl connector configured to releasablyengage the at least one ridge of the housing.
 16. The connector of claim12, wherein the latch actuator comprises a top plate and a bottom platecoupled to the top plate and configured to slide longitudinally relativeto the top plate.
 17. The connector of claim 16, further comprising apull tab coupled to and extending proximally of the top plate of thelatch actuator.
 18. The connector of claim 17, wherein the first latchand the second latch are biased away from the first plug and the secondplug, and wherein the latch actuator is configured to depress the atleast one camming surface and the first latch and the second latch bysliding the top plate longitudinally relative to the bottom plate. 19.The connector of claim 18, wherein the first latch comprises a firstlocking surface and the second latch comprises a second locking surface,wherein the first locking surface and the second locking surface arepositioned at intermediate portions of the first latch and the secondlatch, and wherein the first and second locking surfaces are configuredto engage at least one surface in an adapter.
 20. The connector of claim12, wherein the first and second plugs extend distally and in parallelfrom the distal portion of the housing.